Oakland pitcher Joe Blanton is expected to be right in the thick of trade talks as teams head into the All-Star break, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. He appears to be rather frustrated with the Athletics, leaving the clubhouse early after giving up six runs to the Rangers on Saturday. "I just had to get out of here," Blanton said Sunday. "It feels like all year when we score some runs, I come back out and give up a couple more, and I think that one just topped it all off." He was involved in trade talks this past offseason, as well. Blanton has a 3-7 record with a 4.27 ERA in thirteen starts this season.